Cage-free aviary

ABSTRACT

An aviary is provided having a floor and a first aviary cage including a first outside surface enclosing a first inside area. The aviary further comprises a second aviary cage substantially similar to the first aviary cage and including a second outside surface enclosing a second inside area. The second aviary cage is positioned at a height from the floor greater than a height from the floor at which the first aviary cage is positioned. An aisle extends between the first aviary cage and the second aviary cage. A first perch extends from the first outside surface of the first aviary cage and into the aisle at a first vertical distance from the floor. A second perch extends from the second outside surface of the second aviary cage and into the aisle at a second vertical distance from the floor. The first and second vertical distances from the floor are not equal.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments herein generally relate to aviary cages and, moreparticularly, to aviary cages having perches positioned thereon.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

Aviaries are frequently used to house hens for egg production andinclude aviary cages therein. Generally, the aviary cage includesnesting areas where eggs are laid. The eggs are then carried from thenesting area to a collection area by an egg conveyor that is positionedadjacent the nesting area. Recently, the need to provide the hens withan area to walk around and peck and scratch has increased dramaticallyas more farms are producing “cage free” product. “Cage free” indicatesthat the hens are able to move through a much larger space than isavailable in conventional battery cages.

Unfortunately, providing a cage free environment requires a substantialamount of space within the aviary. In particular, a cage freeenvironment is defined by the amount of cubic inches of space within theaviary that is available to each hen. Cage free environments thereforefrequently house fewer birds than conventional aviary battery cagehouses with similar footprints. For example, some aviaries have areduced number of cage towers to accommodate the cubic inch requirementsfor a cage free environment. Limiting the number of hens that may behoused in an aviary results in lost profits, increased laborrequirements, increased maintenance requirements, and/or increasedspending for additional cages.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, an aviary is provided having a floor and a firstaviary cage including a first outside surface enclosing a first insidearea. The aviary further comprises a second aviary cage substantiallysimilar to the first aviary cage and including a second outside surfaceenclosing a second inside area. The second aviary cage is positioned ata height greater than a height at which the first aviary cage ispositioned. An aisle extends between the first aviary cage and thesecond aviary cage. A first perch extends from the first outside surfaceof the first aviary cage and into the aisle at a first vertical distancefrom the floor. A second perch extends from the second outside surfaceof the second aviary cage and into the aisle at a second verticaldistance from the floor. The first and second vertical distances fromthe floor are not equal.

In one embodiment, an aviary is provided having a floor and a firstaviary cage including a first outside surface enclosing a first insidearea. The aviary further comprises a second aviary cage substantiallysimilar to the first aviary cage and including a second outside surfaceenclosing a second inside area. The second aviary cage is positioned ata height greater than a height at which the first aviary cage ispositioned. An aisle extends between the first aviary cage and thesecond aviary cage. A first perch extends from the first outside surfaceof the first aviary cage and into the aisle at a first vertical distancefrom the floor. A second perch extends from the second outside surfaceof the second aviary cage and into the aisle at a second verticaldistance from the floor. The first and second vertical distances fromthe floor are not equal and define a third vertical distance thatenables an animal to hop between the first perch and the second perch.

In one embodiment, a method of constructing an aviary is provided. Themethod includes positioning a first aviary cage including a firstoutside surface enclosing a first inside area adjacent to a secondaviary cage substantially similar to the first aviary cage and includinga second outside surface enclosing a second inside area, wherein boththe first aviary cage and the second aviary cage are positioned over afloor. The second aviary cage is positioned at a height greater than aheight at which the first aviary cage is positioned. The method alsoincludes extending an aisle between the first aviary cage and the secondaviary cage. The method also includes extending a first perch from thefirst outside surface of the first aviary cage and into the aisle at afirst vertical distance from the floor. The method also includesextending a second perch from the second outside surface of the secondaviary cage and into the aisle at a second vertical distance from thefloor, wherein the first and second distances are not equal. The methodalso includes positioning the first and second vertical distances todefine a third vertical distance that enables an animal to hop betweenthe first perch and the second perch.

Other embodiments are disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments described herein and other features, advantages, anddisclosures contained herein, and the manner of attaining them, willbecome apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood byreference to the following description of various exemplary embodimentsof the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an aviary formed in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an aviary formed in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an aviary cage in the second cage tower shownin FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a perspective top view of an egg collector belt formed inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a perspective top view of an egg collector belt formed inaccordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a gate formed in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the gate shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

The features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner ofattaining them, will be more apparent and better understood by referenceto the following descriptions of the disclosed methods and systems,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The components inthe figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placedupon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in thefigures like-referenced numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views, but not all reference numerals are shownin each of the figures.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of this disclosure is intended thereby.

FIG. 1 illustrates an aviary 10 having a floor 14 enclosed by exteriorwalls 16. The exterior walls 16 define an interior surface 30. Theexterior walls 16 enclose cage towers 18 where hens may be caged.Although the present embodiment illustrates three cage towers 18, itshould be noted that the aviary 10 may be constructed with any number ofcage towers 18, including a single cage tower 18. An aisle 20 extendsbetween each cage tower 18 to provide an inspection area and space inwhich the birds housed in the aviary 10 may move. In an embodimenthaving a single cage tower 18, an aisle 20 is present on at least oneside of the cage tower 18. An aisle 20 is likewise positioned between anend cage tower 18 and the respective exterior wall 16. At least onescratching floor 11 extends between each at least one cage tower 18. Atleast one scratching floor 11 is likewise positioned between an end cagetower 18 and the respective exterior wall 16.

Each at least one cage tower 18 includes at least one aviary cage 21.Each at least one aviary cage 21 includes a first outside surface 22enclosing an inside area 13. Each at least one cage tower 18 includes anoutside surface 31 enclosing an inside area 32. At least one bump rail15 extends from the outside surface 31 and into the aisle 20 to allowequipment to be maneuvered through the aisle 20 without damaging the atleast one cage tower 18 or the at least one aviary cage 21. The bumprail 15 may be used by the birds as a perch.

In an embodiment, a first cage tower 18A includes a first aviary cage21A, and a second cage tower 18B includes a second aviary cage 21B,which second aviary cage 21B is substantially similar to the firstaviary cage 21A. Multiple first aviary cages 21A are stacked on top ofone another. Each first aviary cage 21A includes a first outside surface22A enclosing an inside area 13A. Additionally, multiple second aviarycages 21B are stacked on top of one another. Each second aviary cage 21Bincludes a second outside surface 22B enclosing an inside area 13B. Thesecond aviary cage 21B is positioned adjacent the first aviary cage 21Aand an aisle 20 is formed therebetween. The second aviary cage 21B ispositioned at a height 19B from the scratching floor 11 that is greaterthan a height 19A of the first aviary cage 21A from the scratching floor11. A scratching floor 11 extends between the first aviary cage 21A andthe second aviary cage 21B. In an embodiment, the scratching floor 11 isconfigured so that a worker can walk across the scratching floor 11between the cage towers 18. In an embodiment, the scratching floor 11 isconfigured so that a worker can walk between a cage tower 18 and arespective exterior wall 16. The scratching floor 11 serves as ascratching area where hens can move freely, peck the floor with theirbeaks, and scratch the scratching floor 11 with their feet.

The first outside surface 22 of the at least one aviary cage 21 includesa first perch 29 extending into the aisle 20. In an embodiment, eachperch 29 may extend a portion of the length of the at least one cagetower 18. In an embodiment, each perch 29 may extend the entire lengthof the at least one cage tower 18. In an embodiment, the interiorsurface 30 of the exterior wall 16 includes a second perch 29D extendinginto the aisle 20. In an embodiment, each perch 29D may extend a portionof the length of the interior surface 30 of the exterior wall 16 of theaviary 10. In an embodiment, each perch 29D may extend substantially theentire length of the interior surface 30 of the exterior wall 16.

In some embodiments, the perch 29 is solid. In one embodiment, the perch29 may be square. In one embodiment, the perch 29 may be round. In oneembodiment, a square perch 29 may have a width of ¾inches to 2 inches.In one embodiment, a round perch 29 may have a diameter of ¾inches to 2inches. The width or diameter of the perch 29 is configured to allow ahen to stand on the perch 29.

Referring to an embodiment, a first perch 29A extends from the firstoutside surface 22A of the first aviary cage 21A and is positioned abovea first egg conveyor 28A that extends from the first outside surface 22Aand that extends along the sides of the first aviary cage 21A. When thehens lay their eggs, the eggs may be collected in the first egg conveyor28A. The first egg conveyor 28A carries the eggs from the aviary cage21A to a collection area. The first perch 29A extends into the aisle 20at a first vertical distance 23 from the scratching floor 11. A secondperch 29B extends from the second outside surface 22B of the secondaviary cage 21B and is positioned above a second egg conveyor 28B thatextends from the second outside surface 22B and that extends along thesides of the second aviary cage 21B. The second egg conveyor 28B carriesthe eggs from the aviary cage 21B to a collection area. The second perch29B extends into the aisle 20 at a second vertical distance 25 from thescratching floor 11. The first vertical distance 23 is not equal to thesecond vertical distance 25.

In an embodiment, each of the perches 29A and 29B may extend a portionof the length of the respective cage tower 18A and 18B. In anembodiment, each of the perches 29A and 29B may extend the entire lengthof the respective cage tower 18A and 18B. In some embodiments, theperches 29A and 29B are solid. In one embodiment, the perches 29A and29B may be square. In one embodiment, the perches 29A and 29B may beround. In one embodiment, the perches 29A and 29B may be square orround. The width or diameter of the perches 29A and 29B is configured toallow a hen to stand on the perches 29A and 29B.

In an embodiment, the first vertical distance 23 and the second verticaldistance 25 define a third vertical distance 27. The third verticaldistance 27 is configured to permit a bird to hop from the first perch29A to the second perch 29B or vice versa.

In an embodiment, the first aviary cage 21A may include multiple firstegg conveyors 28A, and the second aviary cage 21B may include multiplesecond egg conveyors 28B, wherein the first egg conveyors 28A and thesecond egg conveyors 28B are staggered vertically relative to each otheralong the first and second outside surfaces 31A, 31B of the cage towers18A and 18B. In an embodiment, the first aviary cage 21A may includemultiple first perches 29A, and the second aviary cage 21B may includemultiple second perches 29B, wherein the first perches 29A and thesecond perches 29B are staggered vertically relative to each other alongthe first and second outside surfaces 22A, 22B of the aviary cages 21Aand 21B.

By permitting space for the hens to move freely, the aviary 10 satisfiesthe requirements for the birds and their eggs to be considered cagefree. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cage-free. The hens are notcontinuously confined to an aviary cage. The present embodiments allowthe production of eggs that may be sold under the label “cage free”because they were laid outside of a conventional cage environment. Inthe illustrated embodiments, the scratching floors 11 form threeidentical levels 17 in the aviary 10, wherein each level 17 may beaccessed by a worker.

A hen may walk, peck, scratch, socialize, sleep, and lay eggs, as thebird desires in the inside area 13 and the inside area 32. These samedaily activities can be carried out on the at least one scratching floor11. The at least one aviary cage 21 may house a specific group of birdsor it may be open to birds from other aviary cages 21. In an embodiment,the cage tower 18 may be configured to allow the birds to move freely upand down the cage tower 18. In an embodiment, the cage tower 18 may beconfigured to keep birds in the aviary segregated by vertical level.When the hens lay their eggs, the eggs may be collected in egg conveyors28 that extend along the sides of the aviary cage 21. The egg conveyors28 carry the eggs from the aviary cage 21 to a collection area.

Each perch 29 and each bump rail 15 provide yet other areas for the hensto utilize when they are not confined to the at least one aviary cage21. In particular, hens may sit, hop, walk, scratch, socialize, sleep,and lay eggs from or on any perch 29 and/or any bump rail 15.

When a first perch 29A and a second perch 29B are included in anembodiment, the first vertical distance 23 and the second verticaldistance 25 define a third vertical distance 27, which third verticaldistance is configured to facilitate the behavior of birds to hop fromone surface to another and thereby create a ladder effect between theoutside surfaces 22A, 22B of the aviary cages 21A and 21B and,concomitantly, the outside surfaces 31A and 31B of the cage towers 18Aand 18B.

In one embodiment, an angle formed between the first perch 29A and thesecond perch 29B is no greater than 45°, which configuration facilitatesthe behavior of birds to hop from one surface to another. In oneembodiment, a plurality of first and second perches 29A and 29B arespaced apart about the outside surfaces 31A and 31B of the respectivecage towers 18A and 18B. In an embodiment, each perch 29A and 29Bextends into the aisle 20 to provide usable vertical space that createsadditional habitable cubic inches for the birds, thereby enabling theaviary 10 to be considered cage free. In an embodiment, the first aviarycage 21A may include multiple first perches 29A, corresponding to thenumber of first egg conveyors 28A, and the second aviary cage 21B mayinclude multiple second perches 29B, corresponding to the number ofsecond egg conveyors 28B, wherein the first perches 29A and the secondperches 29B are staggered in relation to each other along the first andsecond outside surfaces 31A, 31B of the cage towers 18A and 18B. In oneembodiment, the first perches 29A and the second perches 29B arestaggered vertically on the first and second outside surfaces 31A, 31Bof the cage towers 18A and 18B. In one embodiment, the first perches 29Aand the second perches 29B are staggered horizontally along the firstand second outside surfaces 31A, 31B of the cage towers 18A and 18B.

In an illustrated embodiment, a cage tower 18C is positioned adjacentthe exterior wall 16 and includes an aviary cage 21C adjacent thescratching floor 11. An egg conveyor 28C extends from an outside surface22C of the aviary cage 21C and into the aisle 20. A perch 29C extendsfrom the outside surface 22C of the aviary cage 21C and is positionedabove the egg conveyor 28C. A perch 29D extends from the interiorsurface 30 of the exterior wall 16 and into the aisle 20.

In an embodiment, the perch 29C is elevated at a first vertical distance33 from the scratching floor 11, and the perch 29D is positioned at asecond vertical distance 35 from the scratching floor 11. In anembodiment, the first vertical distance 33 and the second verticaldistance 35 define a third vertical distance 37, which third verticaldistance 37 is configured to facilitate the behavior of birds to hopfrom one surface to another and thereby create a ladder effect betweenthe aviary cage 21C and the exterior wall 16. In one embodiment, anangle formed between the perch 29C and the perch 29D is no greater than45°, which configuration facilitates the behavior of birds to hop fromone surface to another. In one embodiment, a plurality of perches 29Cand 29D are spaced apart about the outside surface 31C of the cage tower18C and on the interior surface 30 of the exterior wall 16. Each perch29C and 29D extends into the aisle 20 to provide usable vertical spacethat creates additional habitable cubic inches for the birds, therebyenabling the aviary 10 to be considered cage free.

Each of the perches 29 are offset in a spaced apart arrangement toaccommodate the behavior of birds to hop from one surface to another andthereby create a ladder effect on the outside surface 22 of the aviarycage 21 and, concomitantly, the outside surface 31 of the cage tower 18.In an embodiment, the perches 29 are sloped downward from the cage tower18. In an embodiment, the perches 29 extend from the outside surface 22parallel to the scratching floor 11. In an embodiment, the perches 29may extend upward from the outside surface 22 relative to the cage tower18.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an aviary 110 having a floor 114 enclosed byexterior walls 116. The exterior walls 116 define an interior surface130. The exterior walls 116 enclose cage towers 118 where hens may becaged. Although the present embodiment illustrates three cage towers118, it should be noted that the aviary 110 may be constructed with anynumber of cage towers 118, including a single cage tower 118. An aisle120 extends between each cage tower 118 to provide an inspection areaand space in which the birds housed in the aviary 110 may move. In anembodiment having a single cage tower 118, an aisle 120 is present on atleast one side of the cage tower 118. An aisle 120 is likewisepositioned between an end cage tower 118 and the respective exteriorwall 116. At least one scratching floor 111 extends between each atleast one cage tower 118. At least one scratching floor 111 is likewisepositioned between an end cage tower 118 and the respective exteriorwall 116

Each at least one cage tower 118 includes at least one aviary cage 121.Each at least one aviary cage 121 includes a first outside surface 122enclosing an inside area 113. Each at least one cage tower 118 includesan outside surface 131 enclosing an inside area 132. At least one bumprail 115 extends from the outside surface 131 and into the aisle 120 toallow equipment to be maneuvered through the aisle 120 without damagingthe at least one cage tower 118 or the at least one aviary cage 121. Thebump rail 115 may be used by the birds as a perch.

In an embodiment, a first cage tower 118A includes a first aviary cage121A, and a second cage tower 118B includes a second aviary cage 121B,which second aviary cage 121B is substantially similar to the firstaviary cage 121A. Multiple first aviary cages 121A are stacked on top ofone another. Each first aviary cage 121A includes a first outsidesurface 122A enclosing an inside area 113A. Additionally, multiplesecond aviary cages 121B are stacked on top of one another. Each secondaviary cage 121B includes a second outside surface 122B enclosing aninside area 113B. The second aviary cage 121B is positioned adjacent thefirst aviary cage 121A and an aisle 120 is formed therebetween. Ascratching floor 111 extends between the first aviary cage 121A and thesecond aviary cage 121B. The second aviary cage 121B is positioned at aheight 119B from the scratching floor 111 that is greater than a height119A of the first aviary cage 121A from the scratching floor 111. In anembodiment, the scratching floor 111 is configured so that a worker canwalk across the scratching floor 111 between the cage towers 118. In anembodiment, the scratching floor 111 is configured so that a worker canwalk between a cage tower 118 and a respective exterior wall 116. Thescratching floor 111 serves as a scratching area where hens can movefreely, peck the floor with their beaks, and scratch the scratchingfloor 111 with their feet.

The first outside surface 122 of the at least one aviary cage 121includes a first perch 129 extending into the aisle 120. In anembodiment, each perch 129 may extend a portion of the length of the atleast one cage tower 118. In an embodiment, each perch 129 may extendthe entire length of the at least one cage tower 118. In an embodiment,the interior surface 130 of the exterior wall 116 includes a secondperch 129D extending into the aisle 120. In an embodiment, each perch129D may extend a portion of the length of the interior surface 130 ofthe exterior wall 116 of the aviary 110. In an embodiment, each perch129D may extend substantially the entire length of the interior surface130 of the exterior wall 116.

In some embodiments, the perch 129 is solid. In one embodiment, theperch 129 may be square. In one embodiment, the perch 129 may be round.In one embodiment, a square perch 129 may have a width of ¾inches to 2inches. In one embodiment, a round perch 129 may have a diameter of¾inches to 2 inches. The width or diameter of the perch 129 isconfigured to allow a hen to stand on the perch 129.

Referring to an embodiment, a first perch 129A extends from the firstoutside surface 122A of the first aviary cage 121A and is positionedabove a first egg conveyor 128A that extends from the first outsidesurface 122A and that extends along the sides of the first aviary cage121A. When the hens lay their eggs, the eggs may be collected in thefirst egg conveyor 128A. The first egg conveyor 128A carries the eggsfrom the aviary cage 121A to a collection area. The first perch 129Aextends into the aisle 120 at a first vertical distance 123 from thescratching floor 111. A second perch 129B extends from the secondoutside surface 122B of the second aviary cage 121B and is positionedabove a second egg conveyor 128B that extends from the second outsidesurface 122B and that extends along the sides of the second aviary cage121B. The second egg conveyor 128B carries the eggs from the aviary cage121B to a collection area. The second perch 129B extends into the aisle120 at a second vertical distance 125 from the scratching floor 111. Thefirst vertical distance 123 is not equal to the second vertical distance125.

In an embodiment, each of the perches 129A and 129B may extend a portionof the length of the respective cage tower 118A and 118B. In anembodiment, each of the perches 129A and 129B may extend the entirelength of the respective cage tower 118A and 118B. In some embodiments,the perches 129A and 129B are solid. In one embodiment, the perches 129Aand 129B may be square. In one embodiment, the perches 129A and 129B maybe round. In one embodiment, the perches 129A and 129B may be square orround. The width or diameter of the perches 129A and 129B is configuredto allow a hen to stand on the perches 129A and 129B.

In an embodiment, the first vertical distance 123 and the secondvertical distance 125 define a third vertical distance 127. The thirdvertical distance 127 is configured to permit a bird to hop from thefirst perch 129A to the second perch 129B or vice versa.

In an embodiment, the first aviary cage 121A may include multiple firstegg conveyors 128A, and the second aviary cage 121B may include multiplesecond egg conveyors 128B, wherein the first egg conveyors 128A and thesecond egg conveyors 128B are staggered vertically relative to eachother along the first and second outside surfaces 131A, 131B of the cagetowers 118A and 118B. In an embodiment, the first aviary cage 121A mayinclude multiple first perches 129A, and the second aviary cage 121B mayinclude multiple second perches 129B, wherein the first perches 129A andthe second perches 129B are staggered vertically relative to each otheralong the first and second outside surfaces 122A, 122B of the aviarycages 121A and 121B.

Each perch 129 and each bump rail 115 provide yet other areas for thehens to utilize when they are not confined to the at least one aviarycage 121. In particular, hens may sit, hop, walk, scratch, socialize,sleep, and lay eggs from or on any perch 129 and/or any bump rail 115.

When a first perch 129A and a second perch 129B are included in anembodiment, the first vertical distance 123 and the second verticaldistance 125 define a third vertical distance 127, which third verticaldistance is configured to facilitate the behavior of birds to hop fromone surface to another and thereby create a ladder effect between theoutside surfaces 122A, 122B of the aviary cages 121A and 121B and,concomitantly, the outside surfaces 131A and 131B of the cage towers118A and 118B.

In one embodiment, an angle formed between the first perch 129A and thesecond perch 129B is no greater than 45°, which configurationfacilitates the behavior of birds to hop from one surface to another. Inone embodiment, a plurality of first and second perches 129A and 129Bare spaced apart about the outside surfaces 131A and 131B of therespective cage towers 118A and 118B. In an embodiment, each perch 129Aand 129B extends into the aisle 120 to provide usable vertical spacethat creates additional habitable cubic inches for the birds, therebyenabling the aviary 110 to be considered cage free. In an embodiment,the first aviary cage 121A may include multiple first perches 129A,corresponding to the number of first egg conveyors 128A, and the secondaviary cage 121B may include multiple second perches 129B, correspondingto the number of second egg conveyors 128B, wherein the first perches129A and the second perches 129B are staggered vertically along thefirst and second outside surfaces 131A, 131B of the cage towers 118A and118B.

At least one belt 136 extends through each aviary cage 121 to remove adeposit from at least part of the aviary cage 121. A deposit mayinclude, but is not limited to, one or more items such as manure, anegg, litter, feathers, feed, or a dead bird. In one embodiment, the belt136 extends through each aviary cage 121 along the length of the cagetower 118. In one embodiment, the belt 136 extends approximately 400feet along the length of each cage tower 118. In one embodiment, thebelt 136 carries deposits from the aviary cage 121 to a collection area(not shown) positioned outside of the aviary cage 121.

A scratching floor 111 extends between the first aviary cage 121A andthe second aviary cage 121B. The scratching floor 111 is oriented withrespect to and positioned adjacent to a respective belt 136. In oneembodiment, the scratching floor 111 is planar with the respective belt136 from which the scratching floor 111 extends. Alternatively, thescratching floor 111 is sloped to allow deposits to move back toward therespective belt 136. When the birds scratch the scratching floor 111,they scratch much of the deposits made on the scratching floor 111 ontothe belt 136. Accordingly, since it is common for birds to defecate intheir scratching area, the scratching floor 111 becomes relativelyself-cleaning as the hens scratch. The scratching floor 111 isconfigured so that the deposits are scratched back to the respectivebelt 136. Such configuration reduces the required frequency for cleaningof the aviary 110. Any eggs laid on the scratching floor 111 may bedirected back toward the belt 136 by the scratching of the hens. Theseeggs are then collected from the belt 136 and removed from the belt 136.

In one embodiment, the belt 136 forms a floor of each aviary cage 121.Accordingly, the birds are allowed to move freely and walk on the belt136.

By removing deposits, particularly manure, from at least part of eachaviary cage 121, ammonia levels within the aviary 110 are significantlyreduced. Additionally, the need for an individual to enter the aviary110 and clean the aviary 110 by hand is greatly reduced. Accordingly,the present embodiments permit one person to care for 150,000 to 200,000birds, compared with the 3-5 people per 150,000 to 200,000 birdsrequired when known cages and aviaries are used. The present embodimentsalso minimize or eliminate the requirement for extreme body positions,including squatting for extended periods of time and crawling and layingon the floor while loading and unloading the cage and while gatheringeggs from the cage. The present embodiments further reduce potentialrespiratory hazards and infection hazards to the workers. If a hen laysan egg within the inside area 113, the egg will be collected by the belt136 and carried to an egg collection area (not shown) positioned outsideof the aviary cage 121.

In one embodiment, the eggs are removed from the belt 136 through theuse of an egg remover 139 positioned at the end of the belt 136. FIG. 4Ashows one embodiment of an egg remover 139A. In the illustratedembodiment, the egg remover 139A includes two brushes 141 that meet at apoint 143. From the point 143, each brush 141 extends toward a side 147of the belt 136. In particular, each brush 141 extends at an angletoward a side 147 of the belt 136 in the direction of movement of thebelt 136, wherein the brushes 141 extend over the full width of the belt136. The brushes 141 rotate in a direction that moves material to atleast one side 147 of the belt 136. In one embodiment, the brush 141 maybe an auger-shaped brush. Additionally, in one embodiment, a finger belt(not shown) is utilized to move the eggs to a side 147 of the belt 136.In yet another embodiment, any egg conveying apparatus, including butnot limited to a roller having a flange, can be utilized to move theeggs to a side 147 or both sides 147 of the belt 136.

FIG. 4B shows another embodiment of an egg remover 139B. The egg remover139B includes a single brush 149 that extends the width of the belt 136at an angle from one side 147 of the belt 136 to the other side 147 ofthe belt 136. The brush 149 rotates in a direction that moves materialto the downstream end of the brush 149 with respect to the direction ofmovement of the belt 136. In one embodiment, the brush 149 may be anauger-shaped brush.

Each brush 141, 149 is formed from a material having a rigidity thatenables the brush 141, 149 to move eggs toward at least one side 147 ofthe belt 136. However, the rigidity is such that the brush 141, 149 isincapable of moving deceased birds. Rather, deceased birds pass throughand/or under the brush 141, 149 and are deposited at an end of the belt136. Additionally, the brush 141, 149 is positioned above the belt 136to enable deposits other than eggs to pass under the brush 141, 149.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, at least one gate 150is positioned along at least one belt 136 to permit deposits on the belt136 to pass thereunder and/or therethrough and to prevent birds fromtraveling beyond the gate. In one embodiment, the gate 150 includesopenings 152 operative to enable deposits to pass therethrough.Additionally, in one embodiment, the gate 150 includes a hinge 154operative to rotate the gate 150 and thereby enable larger deposits,such as eggs and dead animals, to move past the gate 150. In anembodiment, an electric fence may be positioned on the gate 150 toprevent live birds from entering the gate 150. In an embodiment, anelectric fence may be spaced apart from the gate 150 to prevent birdsfrom reaching and entering the gate 150. In embodiments including atleast one gate 150, birds are prevented from leaving a part of theaviary 110 while deposits are permitted to travel away from that part ofthe aviary 110.

The present embodiments allow the removal of freshly laid eggs from theaviary 10, 110, which eggs may be sold under the label “cage free”because they were laid outside of a nest box environment. The presentembodiments also prevent eggs from becoming contaminated due to slowretrieval thereof from the scratching areas or cage floor (during whichtime the eggs could be infiltrated by bacteria). Some embodiments permitautomated removal of deceased birds.

In one embodiment, a method of constructing an aviary 10 is provided.The method includes positioning a first aviary cage 21A adjacent to asecond aviary cage 21B at a height from a scratching floor 11 that isless than a height from a scratching floor 11 of a second aviary cage21B. Each first aviary cage 21A includes a first outside surface 22Aenclosing an inside area 13A. Each second aviary cage 21B includes asecond outside surface 22B enclosing an inside area 13B. An aisle 20 isextended between the first aviary cage 21A and the second aviary cage21B. A first perch 29A is extended from the first outside surface 22A ofthe first aviary cage 21A and into the aisle 20 at a first verticaldistance 23 from a scratching floor 11. A second perch 29B is extendedfrom the second outside surface 22B of the second aviary cage 21B andinto the aisle 20 at a second vertical distance 25 from the scratchingfloor 11. In an embodiment, the first vertical distance 23 and thesecond vertical distance 25 define a third vertical distance 27 in aspaced apart arrangement to accommodate the behavior of birds to hopfrom one surface to another and thereby create a ladder effect betweenthe outside surfaces 22A, 22B of the aviary cages 21A and 21B.

Each of the first aviary cage 21A and the second aviary cage 21B mayinclude at least one belt 136 positioned within the inside area 13A,13B. The method further includes positioning the first perch 29A and thesecond perch 29B adjacent the respective belt 136. In one embodiment,the respective belt 136 forms at least one floor of each aviary cage21A, 21B. The at least one belt 136 is configured to remove a depositfrom at least part of the respective aviary cage 21A, 21B. An eggremover 139 may be positioned at an end of each belt 136 to remove eggsfrom the belt 136.

In an embodiment, a gate 150 is positioned in relation to each belt 136to prevent animals from leaving the respective aviary cage 21A, 21B. Thegate 150 may include openings 152 to enable debris to pass therethrough.Additionally, the gate 150 may include a hinge 154 to rotate the gate150 and thereby enable eggs and dead animals to move past the gate.

The systems and methods according to the present disclosure can befurther modified within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Thisapplication is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, oradaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. For example,the methods disclosed herein and in the appended claims represent onepossible sequence of performing the steps thereof. A practitioner maydetermine in a particular implementation that a plurality of steps ofone or more of the disclosed methods may be combinable, or that adifferent sequence of steps may be employed to accomplish the sameresults. Each such implementation falls within the scope of the presentdisclosure as disclosed herein and in the appended claims. Furthermore,this application is intended to cover such departures from the presentdisclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art towhich this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cage free aviary comprising: a floor; a firstcage free aviary tower comprising: at least one first cage free aviarymodule including a first outside surface; a first belt, wherein saidfirst belt forms a floor of the at least one first cage free aviarymodule, the first belt accessible to animals within the at least onefirst cage free aviary module to walk upon; a second cage free aviarytower positioned adjacent the first cage free aviary tower comprising:at least one second cage free aviary module including a second outsidesurface and positioned adjacent the at least one first cage free aviarymodule; and a second belt, wherein said second belt forms a floor of theat least one second cage free aviary module, the second belt accessibleto animals within the at least one second cage free aviary module towalk upon; wherein the lowest of the at least one first cage free aviarymodule in the first cage free aviary tower is positioned at a heightfrom the floor lower than a height from the floor of the lowest of theat least one second cage free aviary module in the second cage freeaviary tower; an aisle extending between the first cage free aviarytower and the second cage free aviary tower; a first perch extendingfrom the first outside surface of the lowest of the at least one firstcage free aviary module and into the aisle at a first vertical distancefrom the floor; and a second perch extending from the second outsidesurface of the lowest of the at least one second cage free aviary moduleand into the aisle at a second vertical distance from the floor, whereinthe first and second vertical distances from the floor are not equal. 2.The cage free aviary of claim 1, further comprising: a first eggconveyor extending from the first outside surface of the at least onefirst cage free aviary module and into the aisle at a third verticaldistance from the floor; and a second egg conveyor extending from thesecond outside surface of the at least one second cage free aviarymodule and into the aisle at a fourth vertical distance from the floor;wherein the first perch is positioned above the first egg conveyor;wherein the second perch is positioned above the second egg conveyor;and further wherein the third and fourth vertical distances from thefloor are not equal.
 3. The cage free aviary of claim 1, wherein anangle formed between the first perch and the second perch is not greaterthan 45°.
 4. The cage free aviary of claim 1, further comprising ascratching platform extending between the at least one first cage freeaviary module and the at least one second cage free aviary module andpositioned adjacent the first belt and the second belt.
 5. The cage freeaviary of claim 1, wherein said at least one belt is operative to removea deposit from at least part of the respective cage free aviary module.6. The cage free aviary of claim 1 wherein each of the at least onefirst cage free aviary module and the at least one second cage freeaviary module further comprises an egg remover to direct eggs on therespective first and second belt toward at least one side of therespective first and second belt.
 7. The cage free aviary of claim 1wherein each of the at least one first cage free aviary module and theat least one second cage free aviary module further comprises a gatepositioned in relation to the respective first and second belt toprevent animals from leaving the respective cage free aviary module inthe direction of movement of the respective first and second belts. 8.The cage free aviary of claim 7, wherein each gate further comprisesopenings operative to enable debris on the respective first and secondbelt to pass therethrough.
 9. The cage free aviary of claim 7, whereineach gate comprises a hinge operative to rotate the gate to enable eggsand dead animals on the respective first and second belt to move pastthe gate.
 10. A cage free aviary comprising: a floor; a first cage freeaviary tower comprising: at least one first cage free aviary moduleincluding a first outside surface, wherein the lowest of the at leastone first cage free aviary module is positioned adjacent the floor at aheight from the floor; and a first belt, wherein said first belt forms afloor of the at least one first cage free aviary module, the first beltaccessible to animals within the at least one first cage free aviarymodule to walk upon; a second cage free aviary tower comprising: atleast one second cage free aviary module including a second outsidesurface, wherein the lowest of the at least one second cage free aviarymodule is positioned adjacent to the lowest of the at least one firstcage free aviary module and adjacent to the floor at a height greaterthan the height of the lowest of the at least one first cage free aviarymodule from the floor; and a second belt, wherein said second belt formsa floor of the at least one second cage free aviary module, the secondbelt accessible to animals within the at least one second cage freeaviary module to walk upon; an aisle extending between the first cagefree aviary module and the second cage free aviary module; a first perchextending from the first outside surface of the lowest of the at leastone first cage free aviary module and into the aisle at a first verticaldistance from the floor; and a second perch extending from the secondoutside surface of the lowest of the at least one second cage freeaviary module and into the aisle at a second vertical distance from thefloor, wherein the first and second vertical distances from the floorare not equal, and an angle formed between the first perch and thesecond perch is not greater than 45°.
 11. The cage free aviary of claim10, wherein each of the first perch and the second perch is positionedabove a respective egg conveyor.
 12. The cage free aviary of claim 10,further comprising: a scratching platform extending between the firstcage free aviary module and the second cage free aviary module andpositioned adjacent at least one of said first and second belts.
 13. Thecage free aviary of claim 10, wherein said first and second belts areoperative to remove a deposit from at least part of the respective cagefree aviary module.
 14. The cage free aviary of claim 10, wherein eachof the first cage free aviary module and the second cage free aviarymodule further comprises an egg remover to direct eggs on the respectivefirst and second belt toward a side of the respective first and secondbelt.
 15. The cage free aviary of claim 10 wherein each of the firstcage free aviary module and the second cage free aviary module furthercomprises a gate positioned in relation to each respective first andsecond belt to prevent animals from leaving the respective cage freeaviary module in the direction of movement of the respective first andsecond belt.
 16. The cage free aviary of claim 15, wherein each gatefurther comprises: openings operative to enable debris on the respectivefirst and second belt to pass therethrough; and a hinge operative torotate the gate to enable eggs and dead animals on the respective firstand second belt to pass therethrough.